Velvet
Summary: Inuyasha observes the immediate consequences of chasing after Kikyo. Verbalism is overrated. InuKag, but a bit o' implied MiroKag, too.
Disclaimer: I don't own Inuyasha (Pout)
A/N: My head is full of these short, vignette-type thingies with no plot. Until I clear my head, my first REAL story can't start. So, consider this as 'purging'. However, please do review. It's my first, after all.
From his spot high above the ground, Inuyasha watched as the monk tried to cheer her up, slow smiles and soft words gently erasing the tear tracks that gave the autumn air a salty tang.
He was no fool.
Miroku's velvety voice spoke in hushed tones to Kagome as the others of their group slumbered around them; she responded earnestly, in spite of the tired look in her warm eyes, unaware of the hanyou's return. He could hear her clearly, and was surprised that she was so freely vocal about her feelings with Miroku. But, the monk was giving her just what she needed, after all- human compassion and words. Uncomplicated and unconditional love, laid bare for the world to see, and the soothing velvet of his words.
Then again, Inuyasha thought, maybe he was somewhat a fool.
He surprised himself, the next few moments, by NOT jumping down his branch, screaming bloody murder, as Miroku's arms embraced Kagome. He swallowed hard, ignoring the dull ache in his chest, and looked away when the two pulled away, awkwardly, and he placed a soft kiss on her forehead.
She obviously wants the fool's touch... Inuyasha resolutely ignored his breaking heart, and his overpowering urge to strange Miroku.
But Kagome softly pulled away from the monk, shaking her head slowly. She took his hands in her own, and looked deep into his eyes. An inexplicable look passed between them. When Miroku tried to say something, she shook her head again, and whispered something only the monk could hear. It made him smile, and, nodding understandingly, he backed away to his own bed pallet, on the opposite side on the dying fire.
Confused, Inuyasha looked towards Kagome. She was settling back into her own bed, a blank look on her face. Suddenly, her eyes flickered and caught his.
For a deep moment, neither moved a muscle; him, crouching in the branches of the tree and her, body half bent, legs under the blanket.
Then, she smiled.
His heart skipped a beat, or two.
She held out her hand, upwards, toward him. Regret filled his amber eyes. He looked at her slender fingers, and realized that, as far as the two of them were concerned, words were superfluous.
Slowly, he smiled back, glad she'd forgiven him. Not moving an inch from his branch, he held out his clawed hand towards her, the same way she held hers. Her smile widened.
And, he could have sworn he felt the velvet of her fingers upon his.
After a bit, she lay back down and went to sleep.
He stayed up, though, watching her breathe in the moonlight, and wondering why he was such a fool.
A/N: R&R, please.